Integrating functional biochar and synthetic microbial consortia for circular bioeconomy and sustainable contaminant remediation
Abhishek Dadhich, Rashmi Choudhary, Yoshita Sharma, Irra Dhar, Rohit Jain
Abstract
• Biochar-immobilized microbes boost waste decomposition and nutrient cycling. • Engineered microbes on biochar improve co-contaminant remediation. • Functionalized biochar enable targeted delivery of beneficial microbes. • Biochar–microbe synergy enhances phytoremediation and metal immobilization. • Multi-omics reveal mechanisms in biochar–microbe interactions. Biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, has emerged as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture due to its capacity to enhance soil health and support microbial interactions. Despite its well-documented role in improving nutrient cycling and acting as a soil amendment, limited attention has been given to its synergistic effects with plant probiotics. This review synthesizes current findings on biochar-mediated microbial interactions and their influence on soil fertility, nutrient bioavailability, and crop productivity. Biochar’s unique physicochemical characteristicssuch as high porosity, surface functional groups, and adsorption capacityfacilitate microbial colonization, promote enzymatic activities, and support beneficial processes like nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and organic matter decomposition. These interactions contribute not only to improved plant growth but also to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and heavy metal toxicity. The review further highlights mechanisms like microbial immobilization and enhanced microbial resilience under stress conditions, positioning biochar as a bio-stimulant for promoting soil microbial efficiency. By integrating evidence from recent studies, this work underscores the importance of optimizing biochar formulations to suit specific microbial communities and environmental contexts. Such optimization can be achieved by tailoring pyrolysis temperatures, feedstock types, and surface functionalization to match the metabolic requirements and stress tolerance of target microbes in given agroecological zones. Ultimately, leveraging biochar–microbe synergy presents a viable strategy for enhancing agroecosystem resilience and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.